Arizona committee advances bill to fast‑track military police veterans into state law enforcement

The Arizona Senate Public Safety Committee voted to advance SB 11‑07 on Jan. 27, 2026, which would create an alternative certification pathway allowing honorably discharged U.S. military veterans who served as military police to apply their training toward Arizona peace‑officer certification.

The bill’s sponsor staff described the measure as effective Jan. 1, 2027, and said it would permit qualified veterans to complete an abbreviated Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training program while still requiring passage of the board‑approved certification exam and satisfying moral‑character, fitness and background‑investigation requirements. The committee adopted a 9‑page amendment dated Jan. 27 that restricts the pathway to veterans who were military police officers.

Janette Garcia, a city councilwoman and former military police officer who testified in support, said the change “is not about making it easier to wear the badge. It's about making it possible for experienced professionals to continue serving without being forced to repeat training that [they] already mastered.” Garcia urged the committee to recognize equivalent military training while keeping state‑specific standards in place.

Members who spoke in support noted Arizona faces law‑enforcement staffing shortages and said veterans bring relevant skills in patrol operations, investigations, crisis response and leadership. No substantive opposing testimony was recorded in committee. After the amendment was adopted, the committee voted 7‑0 to give SB 11‑07 a “do pass” recommendation.

The bill as amended moves next to the full Senate or to appropriations or other committees as required by procedure. The amendment and committee report specify procedural requirements for application, documentation of military training, and Arizona‑specific training and examinations but do not change core certification standards, according to the sponsor’s presentation.